Equestrian

COACHING QUALIFICATIONS VIA FEDERATION EQUESTRE INTERNATIONALE (FEI) ROUTE

Compiled from source: www.fei.org/fei/your-role/coach-education

 

 

There are various coaching qualifications route in equestrian. Many established countries in equestrian sport have their own coaching qualifications. In less established countries, primary issues pertaining to coaching have been availability, access to coaching programmes, quality coaching programmes, qualified tutors and international cross-national certification, among others. To overcome some of the problems, FEI since 2012 has created the Olympic Solidarity Programme to include technical courses for coaches which are recognised certification internationally.

The OLYMPIC SOLIDARITY PROGRAMMES are available to all NFs (in Malaysia, EAM) who are members of their National Olympic Committee (NOC). The Olympic Solidarity is a source of help and encouragement for all sports men and women from beginners to top level. The principal objective of the Olympic Solidarity Programmes is to encourage the development of sport in countries where opportunities for improvement do not normally exist.

The main objective of the technical courses programme is to provide basic training to active coaches – officially recognised as such – through courses led by an expert from abroad. It is to ensure that the technical courses are held in line with the rules established by the International Federations (IFs) for this kind of training.

The basic idea is to allow for a “standardisation” of the training given to coaches around the world, providing a quality and performance benchmark for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and their national sports structures (national federations, coaches, athletes, etc.).

The FEI advocates the International Sport Coaching Framework i.e. an attempt to establish a current source, shared coaching reference point universally practise covering these areas:

  • Roles and responsibilities assumed by coaches and the tools they need in order to fulfil them.
  • Coaching certification and the development of more relevant qualifications.
  • Developments in coaching that meet the needs of athletes and sporting organisations.
  • Information to guide decisions on policy and legislation regarding coaching.

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), founded in 1921, is the sole controlling authority for all international events in Dressage & Para-Equestrian Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Driving & Para-Equestrian Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining. It establishes the regulations and approves equestrian programmes at Championships, Continental and Regional Games as well as the Olympic & Paralympic Games.

The FEI is based on the principles of equality and mutual respect between all 134 affiliated National Federations (NF), without prejudice to race, religion or internal politics. The FEI work alongside each of these National Federations, which are the sole authority (besides the FEI) for FEI equestrian disciplines in their respective country, to develop and promote the sport, ensuring the structures and rules in place, foster fair and inclusive competition.
 
FEI Membership is open to the one national governing body from any country effectively in control of or is in a position to effectively control at least the Olympic equestrian disciplines, and is preferably recognised by its National Olympic Committee. In Malaysia the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) is the NF under FEI.

A selection of National Federations and equestrian details (As at January, 2017):-

 

 

FEDERATION EQUESTRE INTERNATIONALE (FEI) COURSES FOR COACHES

 

  1. What is the FEI Coaching System? The FEI Coaching System (oriented towards competitions) is based on providing courses for coaches under the direction of FEI appointed Tutors who will initiate the system in developing regions.

 

  1. Why was the System created? The FEI coaching system was created to help developing NFs to organise their own coaching structure. The system uses an agreed syllabus and helps to develop the NF’s sport using local coaches. The coaches receive an FEI Certificate following their participation in an FEI Coaches Course.

 

  1. To whom is FEI System addressed? The system is aimed at Practicing Coaches in Developing Federations. They receive tuition from FEI appointed Tutors. In turn, some of our exceptional candidates themselves become FEI Tutors, who then go on to continue the system in their own region.

 

  1. How does the System work? The courses are held on a national or regional basis. The Categorisation & Financing Procedure will help candidates to decide which courses are most suitable for your country/region.

 

THE LEVEL 1 OLYMPIC DISCIPLINES

The aim of the FEI Coaches Course (Level 1) is to cover the essential areas necessary to work competently as a Level I Coach, with an emphasis on skill development, participation and enjoyment. The Level I syllabus covers all events, and emphasises the practical aspects of coaching. Successful candidates will receive a Level I Coach Certificate of Attendance which is issued jointly by the NF and the FEI. The Level I certified coach will also be expected to understand the concept of long term planning of training and be able to plan and implement effective training sessions.

In Malaysia, the EAM shall nominate candidates (18 years of age and over), and the candidates have to pass the Introductory to Coaching course conducted by FEI certified tutor and recommended by the tutor for Level 1 entry.

Level 1

Jumping   :    1.00 –1.15 m
Dressage :    Preliminary/Elementary
Eventing  :    Novice up to 1*

Assessment

  • Open book assessment
  • Practical coaching sessions
  • Logbook assessment (5 sessions recorded) to be completed and returned to FEI through the respective NF within 3 months after course).

 

THE LEVEL 2 OLYMPIC DISCIPLINES

The aim of the FEI Coaches Course (Level 2) is to cover the essential areas necessary to work competently as an independent equestrian coach up to Elementary level in the short and medium term. Participants of the Level 2 course will be assessed throughout the course.  If they achieve the necessary standard, they will be awarded the Level 2 Coach Certificate of Achievement, issued jointly by the FEI and NF. The Level 2 coach will be certified to teach independently.

Entry requirements for the Level 2 course include a specific Profile of Achievement on Level 1 Course, completion of a minimum of one year practical experience, submission of logbook and nomination for the Level 2 course by the FEI Tutor.

Level

Jumping   :    1.20 –1.30 m
Dressage :    Elementary
Eventing  :    CCI*

Assessment

  • Practical coaching sessions
  • Coach Curriculum
  • Pre-course questionnaires.
  • Mid-course questionnaires.
  • Proof of attendance at a Dressage, Jumping or Eventing Competition with a mentor (when possible).
  • Logbook, completion of 15 sessions after the course and submission to the FEI
  • within 3 months.

 

THE LEVEL 3 OLYMPIC DISCIPLINES

The aim of the FEI Coaches Course (Level 3)  is to cover the essential areas necessary to train to compete independently national Individuals & Teams at international 2** competition level (PSG in Dressage). Participants of the Level 3 Course will be assessed throughout the course, subsequent to submission of a season logbook and a written & oral exam.  If they achieve the necessary standard, they will be awarded the Level 3 Coach Certificate of Competencies, issued jointly by the FEI and NF.

Entry requirements for the Level 3 course include a specific Profile of Achievement on Level 2 Course, Minimum 2 years active coaching experience at 2** competition level (PSG for Dressage) and Attendance at 2 specific FEI workshops between Level 2 and 3 (workshop Technical and /or workshop Tactical, Mental, Physical, Lifestyle, etc.).

Level

Jumping  :    2** CSIs & CSIOs + Youth Regional & Continental Championships/Games
Dressage:    Prix St Georges + Youth Regional & Continental Championships/Games
Eventing :    2** CCIs/CICs, + Youth Regional & Continental Championships/Games

Assessment

  • Practical coaching sessions during the course (the candidate will be observed throughout the course and this will be taken into account in the final assessment)
  • The season logbook, completion of 20 sessions after the course and submission to the FEI within 12 months
  • Preparation of a video (according to the season training plan)
  • Written, Oral and Practical exam over two days, from 6 to 12 months after the course